Rosemary's Gift INC was created by Rosemary's siblings as a method of celebrating her life and continuing her desire to assist others in need. Funds generated through our sponsored events will be directed to support and assist individuals involved in nursing and serve to raise awareness for stomach cancer.

Rosemary was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. As a child she attended P.S. #27 school and moved on to the former Academy of St. Aloysius High School (ASA). Rosemary's parents, Annunziata and Giulio Pelle, were both born in Italy and recollated to Jersey City early in their adult life to begin their family. Rosemary was blessed with her siblings, Frances, Giulio, Maria, and Steven. Family togetherness and unconditional love were prominent characteristics of growing up within the Pelle household.

Rosemary's natural willingness to assist others throughout her early years led her to a career in nursing. Throughout her journey she attended a variety of local institutions, such as New Jersey City University (BS), Kean University (MA), and the former Englewood School of Nursing. Rosemary began her nursing career at the Jersey City Medical Center and moved on to work in various medical facilities, with the last being Nyack Hospital. Rosemary was fortunate to build many lasting friendships during her nursing career that she treasured dearly.

Rosemary had a natural love of life, and a strong loyalty to those that she loved and cared for. Rosemary loved photography and art, was an avid traveler and enjoyed creating her unique style of fashion. In a letter of attention composed by a patient at the Medical Center in '96, it states, "....I have no other stay to compare it to. It was no picnic...but there was sunshine! Her name was Rosemary." Rosemary was truly a light that shined so brightly on all those that were fortunate to be graced by her presence and love.

At the age of 41, Rosemary was diagnosed with a rare form of Stage 4 stomach cancer called linitis plastica and was told that she had an obstruction that would prevent her from eating. Numerous professionals gave her a few months to live, but Rosemary's strength, conviction, support staff of family and friends, and her newly found love with Eric Baumbach defy the odds for ten months. During that time Rosemary deepened relationships, overcame challenges, and simply amazed all of us with the love and compassion that she freely gave. Her level of faith and spiritual guidance grew greater with each passing day and ironically, but not surprisingly, Rosemary was the happiest that we can recall. Even days prior to surgery, she still had that natural glow, she still was beautiful.

In the last few days of Rosemary’s life, and under heavy sedation, Rosemary continued to marvel us with her strength. She awoke numerous times to the sounds of familiar voices and on one occasion lifted her arms to her brother Giulio. For an entire morning and afternoon we constantly reminded Rosemary that Eric was on his way from Chicago. She was not responding much that day but when Eric walked in that night and spoke to her Rosemary opened her eyes and through the ventilator mask said, “I love you.” In this amazing moment, that through the lens of science should not have been possible, Rosemary reassured us of the power of faith and love.

In her final moments, Rose communicated to us that she was ready for her journey, and appropriately so, as the song, “I choose Jesus” played, Rose moved on and left us behind in pain, but confident that she found the peace that she so deserved.

An old proverb states, “Be not in grief that she is no more – but live in thankfulness of what she was.” What she was will always be, in each of us and all others that have had their lives enriched through her presence. As we continue to progress with our lives, and as our family continues to grow, rest assured that her memory, example, and love of life will serve as the bond that holds us all together.

Rosemary's presence has and always will be a component of us all. We hope that this foundation allows her life to continue in others that share in her beliefs and vocation.